Fish search

Thursday, January 16, 2014

The aquarium tank has to be chosen with great care. You cannot buy the tank just on your whim. It has to be suitable for what you are planning to buy and put inside the tank. The tanks may be used for various purposes, you can decorate them, add fish to them and add amphibians and corals. These are different things and might need differing tanks as well with different elements in the tank. Fish is comparatively easy to keep, corals are rather hard.

Corals require an aquarium with the marine kind of set up, so the usage of salt water is a must. The lighting has to be intense and the salt content has to be at 0.7 which is the normal level for corals and fishes that need hard water. Corals are extremely beautiful looking rocks, with various colours and different types, they are a kind of anemones. Anemones resemble little fingers that are sitting on rocks or plants and the sight is simply great to look at. Saltwater fishes can also be added to these tanks with corals.

Amphibians on the other hand are easier to care for and all they require is a normal amount of water and other elements that are associated with their natural habitats. Some of them like snakes and turtles need baths and this can be provided. Make sure you provide enough space for free movement for the fishes and others they need to be able to move and play around comfortably without the risk of becoming disfigured and growing problems.

Fishes are the easiest to be kept in the tank environment and they require water to be filled to the full. Proper lighting, heater and filter equipments are needed. You can put different types of fishes in the tank but the may require different elements in the tank. Hence you need to ensure the tank suits the type of fish you intend to keep.

Aquariums are the vital part of the tanks set up. You have to ensure that the tank and animal type suit each other. If this is not done then the fishes will not live for long. Because the tanks are very costly they are made to be safe through the usage of safety glass so that you will not have breakage problems.

If you have recently purchased your aquarium from a pet shop chances are that the system was fully set up for you. Such an aquarium will in all probability be self sufficient and can take care of itself for extended periods of time. However, it is important to know how to take care of your aquarium manually too. It is important to keep a tab on the water conditions of the aquarium. The type of fish you keep in the tank as well as the kind and quantity of water plants in the tank play an important role in keeping the water clean and the fish healthy.

Many tropical fish are used to living in softwater, tetras for example thrive in rain water. This means that the water has got to be as near to purity as possible. This is why it is important to get a hold of a hydrometer to test the hardness of the tank water frequently. This is easily available from any fish store. If you find that the water is getting hard it is best that you add some fresh water to the tank at regular intervals after removing some of the out of the tank.

So how do you go about avoiding the hardening of water? First of all do not use limestone as a lining at the bottom of the tank. This is a sure way of hardening the water and is a resort used in saltwater tanks. Regularly test the water for hardness as explained above. Add fresh water to the tank to soften the water regularly. When you notice white deposits on the aquarium glass it is an indication that the water is hardening. While testing the pH of the water with a hydrometer remember that the natural level of the pH is 7. Try to maintain this level.

Try not to keep the aquarium too crowded with aquatic plants. Fish need freedom to dart around or cruise and the plants do tend to get in their way. besides this you cannot enjoy the full pleasure of the fish as the plants tend to hide them from view.

Keep the temperature of the water at 20 degrees. This is a comfortable level and the fish will stay healthy and lively. There are automatic heaters available at the local pet store and you can get yourself a handy one at a very reasonable price. These heaters are set to maintain the temperature of the water automatically so you do not have to worry.

You must also get your tank a water filter. This is a pumping mechanism that sucks water into the tank and sends it through a membrane filter. It cleans the water very effectively and needs to be manually cleaned with boiled water at regular intervals like once in 6 weeks. Remember not to over clean the filter as the bacteria on it is important. this bacteria helps in cleaning the water of fish excreta.

The water filter serves two other important purposes as well. It circulates the water in the tank and splashes the surface of the water constantly allowing the water to absorb oxygen.

If you have all this in your tank and you know know to take care of the instruments your fish will be happier, healthier and your tank will look good longer.

1. Getting a customized Saltwater aquarium and its inmates is the dream of many who love fishy friends, but knowing you can learn a thing or two from the experts can help reduce the cost of buying a custom-made one. You can buy the tank for storing your saltwater fish easily enough from the local pet store and chalk out a tentative budget for your project to include ornamentation and accessories for it.

2. Cleaning out the aquarium is the first step after buying the tank; it is equally important to cleanse the different parts with freshwater (minus soft) with a soft cloth to rid them of dust and chemicals that may have built-up during storage, which may harm the fish.

3. Set the tank on a steady stand a little away from a wall so electrical cords and the plug outlet is accessible without the risk of causing any accidents as periodic cleaning and feeding the fish will be required. Keep a soft dusting cloth handy near the aquarium to control condensation from the saltwater tank as this can damage the stand. After ensuring level installation, fill the tank with store-bought saltwater or you can prepare a solution of your own. Run all tank equipment for a couple of days to test proper functioning and to judge saline, pH and temp levels of the tank water for the species of marine fish you intend to keep in the tank.

4. After the tank water conditions have been tested, you can move to the final level i.e. aquarium landscaping by removing about half of the water to decorate it with plants, fronds and rocks etc. as reducing water levels helps make landscaping easier. After this has been attended to, you can once again replace the water marked previously by you as being the fill-line measure. (Use a permanent marker for this).

It is strongly recommended that to begin keeping an aquarium, a minimum one-month period be kept aside to determine the ammonia level of the water and the conditions being favorable for the kind of marine fish you want to keep in it; you can choose to do this with the saltwater fish kept inside or minus them.

Do not use an ammonia reducer as this will require you to go over the same process again in order to determine the ammonia content in your tank's living conditions and rob you of precious time in which you can lie back and enjoy your marine friends swimming about!

Monday, January 13, 2014

Building a marine aquarium isn't for the casual fish fan. Marine aquariums are heavy-duty projects that are time consuming and need lots of attention. However, for those wishing to make one, the time is worth it in the end.

There are three different types of marine aquariums to build: fish only, fish with live rock and reef aquariums. This is a difficult task to maintain because there are different levels that must always be upheld and the marine aquarium must be on constant watch. The pH level, temperature and salt level have to be carefully assessed. The salt level is most important because with either too little or too much your life forms won't survive.

Most salt tanks require a 1.6 or 1.7 salt level. There are kits and books available to assist you in getting the right salt level in your tank. There are monitoring tools available as well. Salt water tanks are little more difficult to uphold than its freshwater counterparts.

When it comes to the pH level, you want to get fish, rocks or reefs that need the same pH to survive. This makes maintaining the marine aquarium easier since you only have to worry about the tank being at one pH level.

The filter system isn't going to be like any other you have seen on fish tanks. The filter systems for marine aquariums are expensive and you usually have to go through a specialty shop or catalog to get what you need. It's almost double the price of a freshwater aquarium.

Another thing to consider is the lights for the marine aquarium. Lights are normally cyclical to represent day and night in the aquariums. In fish only tanks this is not that big of a deal, but in tanks where there are algae or other types of organisms this is very important.

Marine aquariums are especially beautiful because of the types of things you can add to it. Besides having gorgeous fish, you can add coral and reefs. This gives the marine aquarium a realistic feel and provides more depth to the environment. You can have shrimp and crab as well, giving your marine aquarium a distinct look.

Because this type of system is complex and time consuming, only build a marine aquarium if you have the time and resources. It's a fantastic aquarium when finished, but it's only for those willing to put in the time and effort.

In an aquarium, you are trying to recreate a fish's natural environment whatever that may be. It could be a freshwater fish that enjoys cool water. Or it could be a tropical saltwater fish that will only thrive in warm conditions. That's why there are is so much equipment for aquariums because people are trying to recreate the natural environment for the fish.

In the wild, fish live in constant changing environments. The water is always moving in ocean, rivers and even lakes that it never gets overloaded with fish waste or residue. In an aquarium that is not the case. The water needs to be changed. However, you can't just put new water into the tank when the fish were living in the older water. The new water could be a shock to their system and, with any living creature, a rapid change could be detrimental.

Changing a saltwater tank could be tricky. A lot of it depends on the water you initially used. Did you get pre-made saltwater? Did you make your own? Whatever you used to start the tank should be the same type of water you are using when replacing it, even it was ocean water that you transplanted into the tank. Your fish have adapted to this new environment so try to keep it as close as possible.

The water should be changed every few weeks and sooner if you notice it getting murky. You don't want the fish to swim in contaminated water or with water with too much residue because there won't be enough oxygen for the fish to thrive. Change only one-third to half of the water every time you change it. If you change the entire tank, your fish might not adapt to new, extra clean water in it. During the process of changing the water, clean the inside of the tank as well. You don't want to put good water into a dirty tank. It would defeat the purpose of the new water.

The water should be within two degrees of the aquarium water. This is extremely important because any drastic change in temperature will harm the fish. You don't want it to get too cold and you don't want it to be too warm either. But it's always better to be warm than cold.

Once you have finished changing the water check the condition of the temperature, pH and nitrates. You might have to make some adjustments to get the water to its right condition.

One thing to note is if you are just replacing evaporated water, only add freshwater. The water that evaporated was only freshwater. If you add more salt water you will change the salinity in the water, which could harm the fish.

It's important to keep the tank and the water clean for the fish to thrive. They are living in an artificial environment and rely on your for all of their needs. By maintaining the aquarium you are ensuring many years with your saltwater fish.

Aquarium owners once accustomed will hope to one day have many different kind of coral in their own saltwater tank - this is an absolute dream! Starter kits can be purchased where you can take easy steps into growing your own piece of coral. This is a much better way to start and is highly recommended against buying coral from a shop. Growing your own coral ensures that it is acclimatised to your tank. Before starting to set up and care for a coral aquarium, knowledge in this area is required as it is not an easy process. It takes time which is worthwhile in being able to showcase your own grown coral aquarium to its best. For some people, buying fake coral is the easier option, when all it takes is patience of about up to 12 weeks, to create your own piece of paradise underwater. A wonderful sense of achievement and a worthwhile project.

Firstly, you need to start off by assembling your aquarium. Find an ideal area of your home to display the aquarium. Read the instructions carefully on how to set it up as in a freshwater tank. Before you add the water, there are a few simple rules to follow. The bottom of the tank is where you pour the sand first, then followed by the addition of dechlorinated water. Salt needs to be mixed in next, until it reaches a specific gravity measuring 1.205. Decide where you want to arrange your live rock after the water and salt, then install the heater and finally, the hood of the tank. You should then wait approximately 4 weeks for the tank to settle before going ahead with the next move.

Once the 4 weeks is over, it is time to add the first living creatures to your tank. This will ensure that the water is tested for the correct salt balance and stays that way, before you add your fish. During this period, snails and crabs if you have chosen them, can be added. The tank should now be functioning as though you have already filled it with fish, so install a protein skimmer. Check to see that you have the correct lighting and that the filters are doing their job. The light should not be left on for any longer than 10 or 12 hours a day, as this can promote the growth of algae. Once snails or crabs have been added, you should wait 2 more weeks.

You have now reached Week 6, which is when you can proceed with the next stage of adding your first pieces of coral. For saltwater aquariums you will find different types of coral including the common ones like Bullseye Mushroom coral, Button Polyp, Hairy Mushroom Coral and the Yellow Polyp. The coral should be attached to live rock at the bottom of the tank when you add it. You can wait another 2 weeks - all the patience is worth it. It is now the 10th week when you can add Aquacultured Coral with types named Pumping Xenia, Spaghetti Finger Leather Coral and Starburst Polyps as part of your collection of many. Again these should be placed on live rock as with the first set of coral.

Your reef aquarium has now been successfully set up and by the 10 to 12 week period, you will be ready to begin adding your choice of fish to your created underwater world. The process of setting up your coral aquarium is a long and drawn out, but one well worth if for the long years ahead. Your own spectacularly created coral aquarium will give you years of enjoyment as you care for it and your living creatures. The aquarium will be something to be admired and very relaxing in your home. Watch how your family and friends are impressed by your creation!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Aquariums need certain accessories as fish need them to survive , as if they were like a heater and a filter. Fish like amphibians need plenty of light and heat so it is essential to provide them both in an aquarium. Make your tank look and function naturally- this is not as complicated or expensive as it may sound.

Every aquarium needs heat, light and a good water filter. To keep the water in the aquarium clean and the fish alive a good filter is necessary as it helps to suck the dirty water from the bottom and have it recycled into fresh clean water. This is the most common type of filtration process used in all aquariums except in tanks which have salt water. In this case there is an external sump tank where all the filtration process is done. You can find filters at any pet shop. Yo should also be able to buy a good filter for a nice deal when you are purchasing your fish tank or aquarium itself. Filtration is a very important process because it keeps the water clean and hence the fish are less prone to be attacked by disease or sickness, or just die due to lack of breathable oxygen!

Keeping the water at a constant temperature is another important thing and for this heaters are required. For this you need to have a heater which can be used in an aquarium and set at the required temperature. Maintain the water at an ideal temperature of 25 or 26 degrees Fahrenheit as fish will die if the water is too hot or cold. Heaters come in all sizes and voltages and you can choose one which is ideal from a pet shop. You will need a more powerful heater if you have a big tank. Fish are actually very fussy about the temperature of the water they are swimming in. Temperature actually helps the fish to determine the season and breeding grounds etc, in nature. Therefore it is extremely vital to get a temperature regulator or a water heater to keep your fish comfortable.However, always take caution while setting the temperatures as extreme temperatures will kill your fish.

Many people think that corals and anemones are plants but actually they are living creatures which need plenty of light. The lights need to be powerful and so can be expensive. You can buy them at exclusive light shops only and not at most fish shops. You can buy them from someone who is disposing of them or you can order new ones.

1. Keeping the aquarium on a stand It is not safe to keep the aquarium on a table or on the ground. When the aquarium is filled with water it becomes very heavy and it is not easy to move it around or push it, instead it is better to keep it on a stand and fill up the water while it is on the stand. Put the fish into the tank while it is up and do not keep taking them out and putting them back as this causes them distress. Putting it on a table is also not advisable as the table might not be strong enough to take the weight. So get a proper stand for the aquarium and keep it safe and sound on the stand always.

2. Where to acquire a fish stand You can get the stand for the aquarium at any shop that sells fish and accessories for the tank. Sometimes you can get the complete set of the tank, the stand, lighting and heating arrangements all together. This would be the best kind to buy and are called multi pack aquariums. This way you know that the tanks and the stand and everything else that goes with the tank are all well matched and you will not have any problem later. You could pick up a tank that suits your requirement keeping in mind the space that is available in your home, the kind of fish that you plan to have in the fish tank and how you want to exhibit it in your home. When you buy the tank make sure that you buy everything else that is needed along with it in the same shop and that you have it all compatible to one another.

3. A second hand multi pack aquarium If you are planning to get a good bargain and would like to go in for a second hand aquarium along with the stand, heating arrangement and the lighting also make sure that everything is in working condition. The stand has to be in a strong state and not wobbly and fall apart in a day or two with the weight of the aquarium. Examine everything carefully before you finalize the deal so that you do not have a problem later and not be able to return it to the seller. Apart from all this the stand should be of a color that you want and that goes with the rest of the equipment.

1. Fish need lights to survive Regardless of whether you have a fresh water set up or a marine set up your fish will need light in the aquarium to survive. However, sometimes different fish require different kind of lighting and it is better that you ask for advice from the fish accessory shop as to what lighting you should have for your fish.

2. The various kinds of lighting You could use fluorescent lighting for fish that are brightly colored as this will make the fish stand out more in the aquarium and give the aquarium a nice effect. You can get these lights in various sizes to suit your aquarium. You will have to buy the light fittings separately as they do not come along with the fish tanks or the hoods for the tanks. This is an expensive part of equipment as you will have to buy the fittings for the lights also.

3. Lighting for marine tanks Marine tanks need more light and these are more expensive as a lot of pure light is needed here to light up the reefs. Anemones and corals require a lot of light and also sensitivity to live in under these conditions and so light plays an important role in this sort of a marine aquarium. If you are planning on a coral reef make sure that you have adequate light and the correct kind.

4. Where to find aquarium lighting Aquarium lightings maybe easy to install, but cost quite a bit. You can buy these at any pet shop or fish shop that sells accessories for fish tanks and aquariums too. You could also search for second hand lighting for marine aquariums but always ensure that they are in working condition first or else you will be wasting your money on it.

5. Get good lighting to define your aquarium To get a good look about your aquarium you should put good lighting and not some cheap kind which will make it look shabby. If your lighting is good then your fish tank will look good and will be worth being put up. You could try out various colors and not just adhere to white for your lighting effects. Try out various colors and see which one you find most suitable for your aquarium and for the type of fish collection that you have in it.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

If you have the right habitat set up in your aquarium to suit your tropical fish you can rest assured that your fish will be happy and live long and healthy - perhaps even breed and add to the beauty of your tank. If you are in the mood to have some tropical fish as pets in your aquarium you must know how to set up their home for them. You must also know something about their eating habits as well as their breeding habits.

Tropical fish need a fairly large tank like 3 cubic feet or more. The tank must have clean and fresh water along with the equipment to keep the water that way. They need to have a lot of natural (not artificial) plants in the tank with a lot of grave that some of them love to muzzle through. If the fish are comfortable in their natural habitat they will soon begin to breed adding to your pleasure of fish keeping.

When it comes to tropical fish there is no dearth of choice between the species, and all are easily available in the local pet store. There are the smaller fish for small tanks such as Neons and Tetras. Angelfish and Guppies are a common variety of tropical fish in tanks and make good pets that are not too fussy about their environment and food. You could choose to keep larger fish such as Malawi's or Cichlids. However, you should bear in mind that Chichlids are cannibals and can turn on each other when they are hungry, so keep them well fed if you want them in your tank. Some of the other variety of tropical fish include Dempsey's, Parrots, Black Belts, Oscars and Jaguars.

Tropical fish live in freshwater so your tropical fish aquarium is a freshwater aquarium. Ensure that the water you fill into the tank is completely purified and made to stand for a couple of hours in a bucket before you fill it in the tank. You should take at least a month to set up the tank with the necessary equipment such as electric pumps and filters, lighting, feeders, gravel, plants and any other decoration you may want to do to the tank. After all this is done you can then go about getting you fish, which must also be done slowly. Purchase them in pairs and put them in the tank as and when you get them.

Setting up the tank in advance gives the time for the bacteria to circulate, this assists the fish to settle down in their new home. Bacteria in the tank is extremely important to the fish as it is the bacteria that cleans the tank of fish excreta.

It is important to clean the tank regularly, like once in 6 weeks. This will ensure a healthy environment for your fish.

An aquarium hood may seem like an unneeded product, but the first time one of your fish jump out of the tank, you will be wishing you had one. There are some fish that just like to jump when they get excited, especially when they see the food floating at the top of the tank. The hood is the best way to keep the fish in the tank. There are other reasons for a fish hood, such as lighting. Many hoods come with lighting that is needed for the tank.

If you need an aquarium hood for your tank there are several places to look. The first is obviously a pet store. A local mom and pop shop might not have many varieties or not enough sizes. You can try the bigger chain stores for the most choices. Specialty fish stores are probably the best place you can buy a hood. The store will probably have many different choices as well as very knowledgeable sales people. You could also look on the Internet at the different aquarium hoods available.

There are different variations of aquarium hoods. Some come with no lights at all and fish owners have to purchase the light and fixtures separately. This is a pretty expensive endeavor, but more companies are going this route because it makes them more money. When looking at hoods, you also need to decide between a plastic hood and wood one. The wood hoods are usually more expensive because there was extra time and effort put into making the hood. If you have extra money around, you may want to think about getting your hood customized. These are the most expensive types of hoods, but you can have anything you want on it, including lights.

Hoods by themselves aren't expensive. It's the attachments that cost the most money. If you don't own a fish tank yet and are considering buying one, look at everything you are going to have to lay out first to get your first aquarium started. Do a little research to learn where you can get the best products for the cheapest price or the product that is the most cost efficient. One thing to look into is a jewel aquarium. It comes with the hood with light attachments already included in the price.

Whenever you get a fish, there are certain measurements to take before putting it in a new tank. It's not just as easy as filling a tank with water and plopping the fish in its new home. There is other vital aquarium equipment that fish owners need to get to ensure the lifespan of the fish.

Heaters: Depending on the type of fish you have, heaters are going to be very important. Temperature is important to any fish. You have to maintain the right temperature for any fish to thrive. This is especially true for tropical fish. If you don't have a heater, you aren't going to have the tropical fish very long either. You want to buy a heater that is going to sustain your fish tank. Check the voltage of different heaters and get the right one for your size tank. If you get one that is too small, it's not going to do its job. If you are unsure you can always ask one of the helpful pet shop employees.

Filters: The fish need the water to be filtered to breathe. Fish produce waste and in the natural environment bacteria take care of the waste. In the tank, this isn't the case. The fish waste will just stay in the tank and make it difficult for the fish to breathe after a period of time. The water will go through the filter where there are helpful bacteria to clean it and then cycle back into the tank. The water is clean and just right for the fish to live in.

Test kits: These kits are vital to sustaining proper pH levels in the tank. Different fish need different pH levels. Many things can change the balance of the water from fish waste to food to anything that gets into the tank. Checking the level of the pH in the water is important. Pet shops also offer pH buffers to fix any problems your tank might have.

Getting the proper equipment is a great way to ensure your fish thrive. Without them, you are going to have a tank full of water with nothing to put in it. The aquarium equipment is important for the safety of the fish and keeping the fish tank clean.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Wrongly led by the belief that freshwater aquariums are easier to maintain than saltwater aquariums many people opt for the former. There are a greater variety of fish that can be kept in a saltwater aquarium as also plants and coral too. The equipment is more or less the same as a fresh water aquarium just the inmates and look is different. Many people would love to have a saltwater aquarium but the myths of switching from fresh to saltwater dissuades them from doing so.

Converting from a freshwater tank to a saltwater one is simple. Most of the equipment is the same with just a few exceptions to the rule. One of them is the tank substrate. Saltwater aquarium fish prefer a substrate composed of live sand and a lot of crushed coral as opposed to the gravel that freshwater fish are used to. Your existing filtering systems will work equally efficiently in both types of tanks. Remember that the water filtering system works on the principle of circulating water through the tank. This means that a vigorous system will disturb the water surface a process that helps the oxygen level rise in the tank water - a good thing.

Lighting in the saltwater tank is of importance only if you are planning to add plants and coral to the tank. A fish only tank can fare very well without the added lighting. A common mistake many aquarium enthusiasts make while converting from freshwater to saltwater is to add a little table salt to the water. This is no laughing matter even for the fish. This will kill the coral and plants as well as the fish. Saltwater has a very different variety of bacteria as compared to freshwater and this aids in supporting the fish and corals in the tank.

When you transit from a freshwater tank to a salt water tank go to the pet store and get some substrate from the saltwater tanks there. This substrate is added to the freshwater in the tank and after a few days you must test the salinity of the water with a refractometer or hydrometer (available t the pet store). the salinity must read between 1.020 and 1,026 before you add the salt water fish to the tank.

You must also remember that saltwater causes a lot of rusting to occur in the tank and do you should be ready to regularly clean out tank equipment at least twice a month. If rust has already set in you must change the equipment promptly.

Feeding saltwater fish is very different from feeding freshwater fish. Saltwater aquariums require a combination of frozen food that is easily available from the pet store. Never keep frozen food in your freezer for more than 3 months. Discard any unopened frozen food that is older than 5 months. It might sound like a lot of work to maintain a saltwater aquarium, however, once you are there you will discover that the joys are many and the work is not too much.

If you get a saltwater tank, the first thing you should know is not to put too many fish in the same tank. It's not that the fish don't get along; they just tend to get bigger than their freshwater counterparts. There are two ways to get saltwater fish and that is from breeders who have fish in captivity or retailers who get the fish from the ocean. You should probably consider the breeders first because these fish are easier to handle. The fish that were caught in the wild tend to have a hard time adapting to living in a contained space. They don't understand how to eat and may sometimes die. Fish that are bred in captivity are stronger and can sustain different water environments easier.

When deciding which saltwater aquarium to get, there are five varieties to choose from.

1. Fish Only: The type of aquarium is pretty self explanatory. This is the easiest saltwater aquarium to own. Usually you are handling one species. You maintain a certain water temperature and pH and never have to worry about different kinds of food. You have to choose between tropical and cold water. Tropical fish are more popular because of their bright colors, but cold water fish are easier to maintain.

2. Invertebrate Only: In these aquariums you are going to find the bottom-dwelling creatures such as shrimp, hermit crabs or prawns. Some people even have starfish and sea cucumbers to round out their aquarium.

3. Fish and Invertebrate: This is combination of the fish and invertebrate you will find in saltwater. These need extra care because you have to find fish and invertebrate that enjoy the same water conditions. You also have to make sure that the fish you put into your tank don't feed on the invertebrate on the bottom of the tank. Research the species you want to get to ensure they get along. The other downside to this type of tank is that diseases can spread quickly and difficult to cure.

4. Coral Reef: These aquariums can get tricky. You want to do thorough research before attempting this kind of aquarium to make sure you get everything you need. You have to feed coral as they are alive. There are many informative websites to get started down the coral reef aquarium road.

5. Specialty: This type of aquarium normally houses one type of fish. The reason is because the specialty fish is so unique that many other fish won't get along with it in such a small space. Examples of specialty tanks are sea horses, sharks and octopuses. Each of these fish has special needs and shouldn't be with other fish because they will inhibit the other.

Saltwater aquariums can get expensive with everything you need to maintain it. Before you decide to purchase one, research everything you can about the specific type of aquarium you want to own. Learn everything you are going to need for your fish or creatures and make a list. This will help in getting the right items and start you on your way to owning and caring for a saltwater aquarium.

Owning a fish is probably one of the easiest pets to have. There is no walking, no training and no pet hair all over the place. Fish keep in an aquarium where you can watch them all the time. This means no running away either. This doesn't mean that you can throw some fish in a tank and never think about it again. There are basic care procedures for an aquarium.

Daily Requirements

1. Check the aquarium to see if the fish are healthy. You can tell by the color of the fish. If the fish seem to be fading in color, you will want to check the conditions of water. If a fish is stressed, it won't last long.

2. Feed the fish everyday. Some fish require just one feeding a day where many freshwater fish require two. The most important thing to note is not to overfeed them. If you overfeed, the first are going to die. It shouldn't take longer than two to five minutes for the fish to eat the food you put in there. If it is taking longer than that or the fish left any food, scoop it out. You don't want to leave the food in the water and possibly contaminate the aquarium.

3. Check the lights and filters to ensure they are running properly.

Weekly Requirements

4. Check the pH and temperature of the aquarium. This is important for your fish to thrive. Anything outside of the norm will result in damage to the fish. The aquarium is their home and they need it to be as close as possible to the natural habitat. If there are any problems, fix them immediately. You can get pH buffers at a local pet store. If you have warm water fish, check the heater to make sure it is working properly. You can find out the proper water conditions from a book or your local pet shop.

5. Check the filters to see if they need cleaning. The filters usually need to be changed about two to three weeks, but looking them over once a week isn't going to hurt. The filters are there to clean the water to ensure your fish are getting the right amount of oxygen. The filters will fill with debris and waste. If left untreated, you won't have any fish left to care for.

6. Changing the water is important to the fish as well. This should be done every week or every two weeks. You won't change the entire tank though. Start by turning off any plugged in equipment to ensure your own safety. Only change one-third of the water because the fish might not be able to handle harsh changes to the water. Tap water might have to be treated with a purification system or a treatment kit. The water should also be within two degrees of the tank water.

7. Clean inside of the aquarium to remove any algae build up, but do so without bothering the fish. You can do this when changing the water. It is probably easier this way. Collect the algae and debris in a bucket or vacuum.

8. Prune the plants in the tank. There might be some dead leaves that are unsightly and unhealthy.

9. Clean the outside. You can do this with soap and tap water. When you are doing this, also clean the hood.

Friday, January 3, 2014

If you are just starting out in the aquarium hobby, you probably want to consider getting a freshwater fish to start. They are easier to care for than saltwater fish and can usually withstand different water conditions. This isn't to say that you shouldn't take good care of them; it just makes it easier to sustain the fish. When deciding on what kind of fish to get, you should get fish that are similar in needs. Get fish that need the same kind of water temperature and pH. Also get fish that are similar in size. If you ever go to your tank and find the smallest fish missing, another one probably ate it.

When you purchase a tank there are a few things to get with it. Get gravel or something similar to line the bottom of tank. You will also need a filter and possibly a heater, depending on the fish.

Once you acquire the fish, you have to feed it. Like any pet, it is going to rely on you for its basic needs. However, fish are easier to take care of than a dog or a cat. Freshwater fish only need to be fed two times a day and only give a tiny amount. The food should be eaten within five minutes of you giving it to them. Any more and it was too much. You risk over feeding and contaminating the tank with toxins. If you put too much food in the tank, remove it with a net.

The water of the tank needs to be carefully watched. It should be tested once a week to ensure it has the right pH level for your fish to live in. Temperature should also be constantly watched. If either of these is off, this can cause stress to the fish, which will put them in danger.

When it comes to changing the water, only change one-third of it every two to three weeks. By doing it this way, you won't disturb the fish so much and will keep them relaxed in their setting. Use a bucket to remove the water and take out anything that doesn't belong in the tank. If you see any debris or waste, remove it immediately. Check the temperature of the new water. You want this water to be within two degrees of the tank water.

Clean the sides of the tank and any nozzles for algae build up. You should scrub the sides of the tank regularly to avoid a dirty tank.

When it comes to the filter, check the manual or manufacturer's website for its recommendation on when to change it. Filters tend to collect leftover food and waste. They need to be kept clean because if they aren't, the water won't be filtered properly.

Don't add too many new fish to a tank right away. Let the fish get used to each other before you start assembling an entire underwater community in your freshwater tank. Get fish that can handle different water conditions easier to start so they will last longer. Be careful with your freshwater fish and take care of them properly. You can have many good years with the fish if you do so.

Aquariums in the home have a way of brightening up the environment by adding a bit of colour and life to the decor. Both old and young seem to enjoy spending time watching the aquatic life dart around in the tank and also lend a hand in the maintenance of it. Though the advantages and joys are many, there may come a period when an aquarium enthusiast may need to dispose of his prized possession. Though there are ways to dispose of an aquarium locally, such as finding a buyer through word of mouth or the unlikelihood of the local pet store helping you sell your tank instead of him selling one of his, you do have other options such as auctioning it on e-Bay.

The reasons for having to sell a fish tank are many. The main reasons are having to move house and taking the aquarium may not be very feasible. There may not be any space to keep the tank or there may be a problem with the finances of having to look after the tank or on the other hand there may not be the time to set aside to look after the tank. Having a fish tank in the house is a great feeling but it does require considerable finances and time to be invested in its upkeep. This may no longer be possible and it is time to dispose of the aquarium. eBay is the fastest way to get the best price for your aquarium and is an option that should be explored.

For those who came in late, e-Bay an a portal on the net that is a intermediary for people who want to sell their new or used goods and people who are in the market for it. e-Bay has grown into one of the largest online selling portals in the world transacting hundreds of thousands of dollars every day. The most advantageous point of eBay is that the competition between buyers wanting whatever it is that you are selling drives the price up and you get the best price for your goods.

You will have to register an account with eBay when you want to sell something or buy something for that matter. Opening or registering an account is free. This account can be used every time you want to buy or sell something on eBay. However, every time you sell something on eBay there is a certain fee associated with the sale and you will have to pay that fee so keep in mind the terms and conditions when pricing your aquarium, include the sellers fee in the price.

If you want to sell fast, it is best that you upload a picture or two of the saltwater aquarium on the portal along with clear descriptions of the saltwater aquarium. Try to include the pricing and the equipment and fish that will come along with the aquarium. Get the readers attention as fast as possible as the site visitors attention is very short lived and he might move over to another seller causing you to lose out on the sale.

Payment comes to you through an online payment processor which is streamlined and you get your cash in your bank or through a check within a week's time. eBay is by far the best way to sell anything.

Aquariums have to be made of toughened glass because this glass has to bear a lot of pressure with a full tank of water, accessories and the fish. If the glass is not strong enough it can just give way and all the fish and everything in the tank will end up on the floor. The glass is also very heavy and there is no way anyone can pick it up once it is filled up with water and fish etc. This is the reason that an aquarium stand is used, and the tank should be put on this and then filled up. Glass fish tanks are available in various sizes and shapes too. If you want a table top one you can get a fairly small one, but if you have space enough for a large one you can stand it on an aquarium stand and opt for the bigger sized ones. A lot depends on the space you have and the kind of fish you plan to keep in it.

The glass for an aquarium is thick and strong Some of the aquariums are pretty large being almost nine to ten feet long and over 3 feet wide so you can imagine how much pressure there will be on it with that amount of water. Though the glass is sealed on the sides it still has to be very strong and thick so that it does not crack with the pressure and spill the contents out. For the safety of the people around and the fish in the tank the glass is made as strong as possible.

Acrylic fish tanks Acrylic is twice as strong as glass and yet weighs much less. Fish tanks made of acrylic are much stronger than those made of glass. When heated acrylic can be moulded into any shape and this way you can get a fish tank of any shape made of acrylic and further more as the edges do not have to be sealed this tank is much stronger than one made of glass. However glass fish tanks are still more popular and not many go in for acrylic tanks.

The glass aquariums are pretty expensive but easily available and you could have one built to suit the size and shape you want, you do not have to buy one off the shelf only but can have it made to order. Of course if you can build your own tank then nothing like it, but you have to make sure that it is made strong enough.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Keeping an aquarium clean is one of the basic requirements about the hobby of having pet fish. Unfortunately this is where most people fail, and it results not just in an ugly aquarium but also unhealthy health as far as your fish are concerned. Follow these basic routines to keep your fish happy, and to keep your aquarium beautiful.

1. The daily routine

You need to do a few basic things every single day if you want to keep your fish tank really clean. Monitor the temperature level inside the tank, and take care to see to it that it remains constant. Tropic fishes need around 77 degrees heat, and any more will encourage algae to grow. If you notice that one of your fish is looking unhealthy, transfer it to another tank or bowl. Also make sure that the filter and the pump are functioning at all times.

2. The weekly routine

Once a week, you need to look out for waste floating on the surface, and clean out the waste on the bottom as well. a siphon tube is a simple means to do this. No doubt you will remove some water along the way, and be sure to replace the missing quantity immediately. Check the chemical level and add the required amount of chlorine. You could also check out the levels of nitrate and ammonia at this time. Do take the time to look after any live plants you have kept in the aquarium. When they get a little too big they require trimming just as gardens do. Take away any sick and dead leaves on the plants as well. If you see new sprouts, secure them into the gravel. Also check for snails in your tank. If you find any, use a lettuce leaf to remove them. Simply float the leaf on the surface of water and sooner or later the snails will settle on it - use a net to take them out along with the leaf.

3. The monthly routine

You need to change the water at least partially once in a month. Using a siphon, remove about twenty five percent of the water. Make sure the chemical levels never rise too high as this can kill the fish. Clean out the filter once in a month, and you can change the filter cartridge at this time. Do not over clean the filter - it houses friendly bacteria that help keep your fish tank clean. Clean the surfaces free of algae, and if you notice excess algae, consider investing in an algae eater. Note that excess heat causes quicker algae growth. So if your tank is under sunlight for a good part of the day, consider relocating it to another spot to reduce the growth rate of algae.

Aquariums came into vogue around late 1800's. Those days, aquariums were crudely made, with metal or wood. They had three sides of wood or metal and only one side made out of glass. These ancient aquariums mostly had fish which came from the same region as its owner because only local species were available then. Only fresh water fish could be housed in these aquariums as salt water corroded the metal frame of the aquarium that held the four panes together.

With the advent of silicone adhesive in the 1960's, there was a complete change in the way aquariums were made. Metal frames existed no more and people were able to keep salt water invertebrates and salt water fish. The latest invention is the use of acrylic instead of glass tank material. Acrylic is greatly flexible. This fact made the acrylic aquariums break-proof as compared to their glass counterparts. With glass aquariums, there was the danger that some heavy object could strike and shatter the glass tank, scattering the water and the fish alike all over, leading to the death of the fish. The possibility of this happening is nullified owing to the flexible nature of acrylic tanks. Even for designing the aquarium using acrylic, the possibilities are mind boggling. You can turn your coffee table into acrylic aquarium and so also your gum ball machine.

Like everything, acrylic aquariums also have their pros and cons. The cons consist of easy scratch ability of the acrylic as compared to glass. You need to be very careful while cleaning your aquarium and avoid the use of paper towels or abrasive and harsh chemicals as they would scratch the surface of the acrylic aquarium. You must use a special cleaner labeled safe for acrylic. Even scrubbers need to be of rubber or plastic, rather than metal which are used to clean the acrylic sides of the tank. Special care must be taken not to pick up any piece of gravel or substrate while cleaning the tank from inside. However, even if accidentally scratches appear in an acrylic aquarium, there is no need to despair. There's always a way out. The aquarium can be repaired, unlike its glass counterpart. Acrylic repair kits are available at your local store of hardware, specialty pet stores or online.

You have a wide variety to choose from when you go to purchase your acrylic aquarium kit and the prices will also vary. You can purchase aquarium kits from retail, or aquatic specialty pet stores, or even online. Fish lovers can take their pick from cute little cylinder shaped aquariums that serve as lamps for your coffee table to huge wall to wall aquariums. Although there will be some common basic things with most kits, such as substrate or coral, a filter, even lighting, there can be a great variety in kits themselves. You may purchase your starter kit from anywhere, but do remember that it is very very important to buy the fish from a dealer who is reputed because fish diseases are easily communicable. You need to ensure that you are buying healthy fish. Don't go for fish that hover at the surface or from a tank which has other dead fish. Beware of a fish trader who refuses to take out a specific fish from the aquarium for you. After all, you have a right to be selective when you are taking home your fish.

No matter what kind of fish you have the main thing that you should know is how to feed them and give them the same food as they would live on when they are in their natural habitat. Such foods are available in any of the fish shops wither as frozen foods or in the form of flakes or tablets. You would have to add some vitamins to the food as some of the nutrients in the food are lost when the food is frozen or processed.

Fish, like humans get fed up of the same food everyday and need a change sometimes. So keep a variety of foods available and give them a change sometimes. Before you buy the fish make sure that you can get the food that they eat or else you will have a constant problem of procuring the right kind of food for your fish. Do not over feed the fish as this will create debris to collect in the tank. Fish should be only fed as much as they can consume in 2 or 3 minutes, not more. Watch and see how much they can eat and do not put more than that every time. New aquarium owners tend to over feed their fish. Once they have eaten remove all the excess food from the tank. This way you can maintain a clean tank.

2. Keep water conditions consistent always

To maintain your fish in a comfortable environment make sure that you keep the water conditions consistent like the temperature the salinity levels and the P. H. also. You should test the water everyday and make sure that you correct any changes that you see. The filter should be cleaned regularly and the water should not get cloudy.

To keep your fish happy in their new environment you should try and make this very like their natural habitat in the ocean. Get corals, plants and sponges that the fish have been surrounded by in the ocean and this will make them more at home in the aquarium. You can reduce the stress level of the fish by making their environment in the aquarium as natural as possible.

3. Do not overcrowd the tank

Never overcrowd an aquarium as this makes the fish quite uncomfortable. The natural habitat rule suggests one small fish for every ten gallons of water, but also bear in mind that what is a small fish now, may not be so small a little later. So before putting too many fish into the aquarium get to know what the grown up fish size will be and shop accordingly for your fish.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

There are several hobbies one can have that turn in to real passion some day. One among them is maintaining an aquarium. This hobby though is a serious one as there is no room for mistakes else you shall land up harming or killing a living creature.

Thee right place to gather ample knowledge about your fish and their house that is the aquarium is the library next door, or the global network that is the World Wide Web or the internet.

There are several starter kits available online. You shall also come across loads of information on some beginner fishes to start with this interesting hobby.

But before diving in to this interesting field here are some essential tips to remember:

1. In order to maintain your fish tank well enough, you must understand the nitrogen cycle. This cycle involves nitrates, ammonia and nitrites. The fishes naturally produce these chemicals in the water they live in. Its your job to balance these chemicals so that the water remains healthy for your fishes to survive.

2. The beginners in this hobby find it difficult to balance the ammonia in the water. In that case you could consider banking on the starter kits available online. These kits contain additives like ammonia. Basically these kits supply you with a mechanism to artificially control the degree of ammonia in the fish tank.

3. These kits also guide you through or at times make available the apt beginner fishes. These types of fishes naturally produce ammonia in an adequate amount.

4. In case you are beginning with a coldwater tank, the best option would be to have a goldfish.

5. Make sure that your fish tank contains ample amount of plants. They not only beautify the fish tank but also purify the water in the tank by absorbing the chemicals & providing oxygen.

6. The water plants break down water and ammonia. Then these plants filter the ammonia & the bad or contaminated pat of the water that is the portion that contains bacteria.

7. Plants maintain the balance between all the chemicals in the fish tank as the fishes produce lot of ammonia.

8. When you are ammonizing your fish tank with the starter fish, be very sure of the quantity of food you are feeding to the fish. Remember that you should feed only small amounts of the food initially.

9. The food that remains settles down at the bottom and rots down finally. This rotten food develops severely toxic chemicals that can kill your fish. So try to maintain the least amount of remaining food. The trick to do it simply is to watch your fish while feeding them. Only put in the amount of food it consumes in the first 2-3 minutes, that to only twice a day. In case of food, also make sure to read through the label of the fish that you always get on the purchase of the fish.

10. Make proper use of the test kits and make sure that you check the ammonia level in the water at regular intervals that is every week.

12. Before purchasing the fish tank make sure that you purchase the right stand to place this tank well.

13. Remember, the fish tank must not be exposed to direct sunlight and heaters, else more and more algae would develop in the tank thereby killing your fish.

14. Make sure that the gravel you add to the fish tank is absolutely clean. In case you have purchased boiled gravel, rinse it well before adding it to the tank. Else, you must boil it first and then rinse it and then add it to the tank.

15. The right way of adding gravel to the fish tank is to initiate from the back of the tank and then coming to the front.

16. The height of the gravel you add depends on the type of fish and the type of filter you would use. This is more particular for the front of the tank. The gravel layer in the front of the tank must be very light.

17. In case you are using under-gravel filters, the front layer of gravel would be very low.

18. Ideally, installing the filters and heaters is the last step in preparing the fish tank. But in case you are considering using a powered filter, you must install the filter before adding the gravel.

19. After adding the gravel, the next step is to add plants and other ornaments. Make sure that you rinse these additives well enough in order to maintain the purity of the water in the tank.

20. Be sure to select only marine based plants.

21. Initially fill the tank with only half of the total required quantity. Make use of pre-treated water while filling the tank halfway.

22. Once you are done with all the additives you can fill it up with water fully.

23. After filling in the tank with all the water required, keep a regular check on temperature of the water with a thermometer.

24. Now finally, place the filters in the fish tank.

25. Goldfish can be added to your fish tank at the beginning of the ammonization process. In case you are planning to purchase any other, fish you must wait for a few weeks so that the ammonization process gets completed in the fish tank.

26. Also, be sure that you do not add any new fish to the tank until and unless the water in there is crystal clear.

27. Check that the ideal way is to introduce only one fish at a time, and gradually increase the number of fishes in the tank. You could also consider starting with 4 different types of hardy fishes, one of each type.

28. The right way to add a fish in the tank is that you must afloat the fish in a bag in to the aquarium for around 15 minutes prior to leaving them in the tank. This would help your fish get acclimated to the temperature of the water in its new home.

29. Make sure that you do not add the water of the fish bag in to the aquarium as this water might be contaminated, or would at times affect the temperature of the aquarium and the P.H. level of the water in there.

30. You must check that the aquarium has the right amount of lighting. These lights are teamed with a hood that can be fit over the top of the aquarium. The fact is that most of the aquariums these days come along with a hood. Actually, the hood keeps away the critters and maintains the fish inside the tank. The hood id also used to regulate the lights in the tank.

Some of the fishes which are commonly kept in aquariums are Brachydanio Albolineatus, Rerio,and Nigrofasciatus. The Braychydanio Albolineatus which is otherwise known as Gold Danio or Pearl Danio and which grows to a size of 2 inches long is commonly found in Sumatra and India. The slim simmering body of this fish resembles that of the Mother of Pearl. The Braychydanio Albolineatus come in magnificent colors like blue, green, red, yellow etc. The calm nature of this variety of fish makes it ideal for communal breeding in tanks. This fish loves to live among plenty of plants and loves the darker gravel compared to the lighter variety. When adding lights to your aquarium, make sure that you focus the lights in such a way that they fall on the front of the fish. These fishes Breed in the same water conditions as the Rerio breed does. You can differentiate the males by their body which is slimmer and more colorful than that of the females. They also breed in the same way that the Brachydanio Reiro do.

You can find the Brachydanio Rerio or Zebra Danio along the eastern coasts of India. They are not only small in size but are also slim and grow up to a length of 1 ¾ inches only. They have a cylindrical shaped body with stripes which are golden, solver or bluish. These fishes which are extremely smart love to live in peaceful and calm waters. They do not require any particular type of food nor do they need any special water conditions to live in. You will find that the female of this species is thicker than the males. It is this variety of fish which is ideal for breeding in home aquariums. As the parent Reiro fishes have the habit of devouring their own eggs they need to be separated from their eggs.

If you plan to breed the Reiro fish it is recommended that you cover the bottom of the fish tank with pebbles to a height of an inch and cover with water to a height of three inches. Long tanks are more ideal for rearing this fishes.The temperature of the water in the tank should be maintained at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Though this is one method there are also methods to breed these fishes. The Spotted Danio or Brachydanio Nigrofasciatus is found mainly in India and Burma. This fish resembles the Brachydanio Reiro in shape and grows to a size of 1 ½ inches in size and requires the same water conditions for breeding.

The Giant Danio or Danio Aequipinnatus which is found mainly in Malabar along the western coast of India and Ceylon or Sri Lanka. This silver colored fish with stripes of blue and yellow running from top to bottom grows to a length of 4 inches. This fish has the tendency to change its color to a rosy shade when it begins to breed. You will find that you need plenty of practice when it comes to netting these fishes. By nature these fishes are fidgety. Because these fishes have an enormous appetite they are grouped as greedy.

You will find that the Danio Aequipinnatus can bred in water conditions that are neutral and not too hard. They can be found in large tanks where the water can have a higher alkalinity in nature. The ideal temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The eggs produced by this variety of fishes are semi sticky by nature and they take 3 days to hatch. These fishes love the pebbles at the bottom of the tank especially during spawning.

Tetra is a freshwater fish which is very popular for aquariums. Brightly coloured by nature they are to be found living in tropical regions. These freshwater are members of the Characidae family of fish. There are a number of varieties of the Tetra fish family to be found, including the Anostomidae. This type of fish was caught off the lands of the Central and South American regions, and is also known as Headstanders. This type of fish is best kept in isolation, as it is not good with other fish in a communal tank. so if you have a tetra fish in your tank already, do not add others to it.

1. Anostomus-Anostomus

These fish are called the Striped Anostomus, which live in South America; they can grow to a size of 6 inches. Their bodies are cylindrical in shape and they have long, pointed snouts. They also have straight lines, and also circular ends that are both equivalent in their size. There are gold and black stripes which transverse, whilst the caudal fins have red dots at the tops and bottoms. These colours extend so that the fish lobes are neutral in comparison. This fish also can be found swimming with the head suspended downwards like the other Anostomidae breeds. If the fish darts forwards suddenly, the head does immediately stand erect. Ideally, the Anostomus-Anostomus like to live with other larger fish. They feed on lettuce, frozen foods and other things. Water conditions need not be specific but the temperature should be kept at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Further studies are yet to be done, to determine how this type of fish breeds or sexes as this is still not clear.

The Chilodus Punctatus are found in North to South America are more commonly known as the Pearl Headstander or the Spotted Headstander. They grow to a size of 3 1/2 inches. You can recognise a Chilodus Punctatus by a body of grey and green colours which are offset by rows of brown speck marks. From a 45 degree angle horizontally, this fish has a tendency to hang its head down. Known to be a peaceful critter they are found to be housed in communal tanks. The Chilodus Punctatus feeds on anything as long as it is mixed with green foods such as lettuce and spinach. They prefer water conditions to be slightly acidy and of soft water, with a temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The female of the Chilodus Punctatus generally weigh more than their male counterpart. The fish are like the Characins in how they breed, although the eggs are brownish in colour. Around 200 eggs are laid by the fish, so the fry or offspring are difficult for them to nurture.

2. Lebiasinidae

Similar to the family of Characins, the Lebiasinidae has a lower jaw line without any teeth. This originates in South America and are some of the prettiest fish to habitat any tank water. The body is extended and its common name is the Pencilfishes. This Lebiasinidae is methodically found under a classification to its relatives, as being one of the most disorderly fish to be found in tank water. The name of this fish is located in the Genus specimen, which mentions that it changes colour patterns regularly.

The Golden Pencilfish or the Beckford's Pencilfish are the common name for the Nannostomus Beckfordi. This fish originates from British Guiana and the Amazon Basin. The Nannostomus Beckfordi grow to a size of 1 3/4 inches with an extended body. Being of golden brown tints there are black stripes running from top to bottom that have edgy gold or red patterns. During the night the fish changes colour. Another peaceful specie, it is ideally placed in communal tanks, of reasonably soft waters by nature, although can tolerate some relatively hard water. Water conditions should be neutral to slightly acid and the temperature kept at a constant 80 degrees Fahrenheit.